Connecticut State Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services

 The Office of Recovery Community Affairs (ORCA)

Our goal is to inform people of our Initiatives, Services and Resources that are offered by DMHAS and DMHAS-funded agencies throughout the state.

ORCA endorses the ‘No Wrong Door’ motto for recovery and encourages people to find the pathway(s) that work best for them.

Elsa Ward, MS, CAC, Director, (860) 418-6989, Elsa.Ward@ct.gov

For issues regarding client rights and grievances contact William Pierce, 860-418-6933, william.pierce@ct.gov or go to Client Rights and Grievances.

 

DMHAS ORCA Initiative: 

** As of March 21st, 2025: The scheduling of the CPSRP certification grandparenting beta-pilot exam is currently suspended due to test center issues. Please do not register for the exam at this time. We apologize for the inconvenience and will provide an update once the issue is resolved.  ** 

WE HEAR YOU

The new Peer Support credential

Certified Recovery Peer Professional (CRPP) Credential

has been changed to:

Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional (CPSRP) Credential

*DMHAS Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional (CPSRP)*

Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional (CPSRP)
This newly created Certified Peer Support & Recovery Professional (CPSRP) credential is an integrated certification that ensures individuals trained by any of the DMHAS-approved Peer Training Organizations have been taught SAMHSA's Twelve Core Competencies and DMHAS' Peer Ethics and Values (2024) to be in alignment with national standards.

CPSRP Grandparenting Overview
The CPSRP Grandparenting is for individuals that meet the eligibility criteria to obtain the CPSRP certification without having to meet the new certification eligibility requirements. This process recognizes existing skills and experiences while ensuring alignment with updated CPSRP ethics and standards.

For Exemptions Based on Special Circumstances please contact Elsa Ward at Elsa.Ward@ct.gov

CPSRP Grandparenting Eligibility and Requirements
Connecticut Recovery Peer Professionals Ethics and Values (2025)
CPSRP Grandparenting Process Townhall - Slides

CPSRP Grandparenting Process Townhall Meeting - February 20, 2025

CPSRP Grandparenting Process Townhall Meeting - February 21, 2025


CPSRP Town Hall Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
 CPSRP Eligibility Application FAQ

CPSRP General FAQ

CPSRP Other Peer Credentials FAQ

CPSRP Pilot Exam FAQ

CPSRP Renewal Questions FAQ

 

The Grandparenting Applications are available on the Connecticut Certification Board (CCB) website: https://ctcertboard.org/

The pilot exam ends on May 15th, 2025. Please apply early.

 

Peer Certification Advisory Committee Meetings - Click date for recording of the meeting 

DMHAS-endorsed Peer Recovery Support training centers:

Monthly Recovery Calendars:

 

CT Peer & Family Organizations

Resources